Workforce 2

The Business Education Partnership (BEP) of Sangamon County was developed in late 2005 by an ad hoc committee of community leaders convened by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The BEP advisory board functions under a set of operational guidelines and is a county-wide coalition of businesses, unions, community-based organizations, and education interests (K-16, private and public). The Chamber’s Staff Liaison, Sarah Graham, is responsible for the administration of the Partnership and its programs and initiatives. Committee activities include leading the movement in developing business and civic partnerships for P-12 schools in Sangamon County, and working with public and private businesses and organizations to expose all students to career opportunities in Sangamon County.

The Young Springfield Professionals Network is a membership based group for young professionals to have opportunities to engage in networking, community service and professional development. The activities every month are designed to allow young professionals to expand their personal networks and build lasting connections with not only their peers and other business professionals, but also the many commercial, charitable, and artistic venues in Springfield.

Work Ready SangamonThe Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is in the process of becoming a Certified Work Ready Community through ACT, most commonly known for their college admissions and placement test. The Chamber staff, Q5 Workforce and Education Council and Sangamon County team is currently in the process of achieving specific goals. This county certification will help Sangamon County attract and expand business and industry by presenting economic developers and site selectors data about our workforce the qualifications and skills.

At the center of this initiative is the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), which is a portable, skill-based certificate that complements credentials such as a high school diploma, industry certificate or college degree. The NCRC gives an employer additional insight into your qualifications. Earning the NCRC demonstrates your willingness and ability to prove the skills important to today’s workforce. The NCRC gives you a competitive edge whether you are applying for a job or working toward a promotion.NCRC Testing Information

Being a certified Work Ready Community will position Sangamon County as a leader in the state. It will help us identify skills gaps and will better align individuals with available employment opportunities. This certification will help educators build career pathways that align with needs of businesses and industry. Sangamon County will be recognized for our workforce, and a strong workforce is a tremendous economic advantage.

Workforce AssessmentThe Workforce Assessment was developed as a tool for economic development officials, for use in business recruitment and workforce development efforts. The analysis of the area’s workforce helps organizations decide if they can find workers in the area, if the workforce has specific skills and/or experience and how much these workers will cost. This information can help current companies who want to expand in the Sangamon County area. Workforce assessments are a key component for site selectors considering a specific city for a location.